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Diamond expected back in rotation Friday

Scott Diamond was the Twins' de facto ace in 2012, but the low-strikeout pitcher could see his ERA regress in 2013 if his control falters

By Rhett Bollinger
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MLB.com |

BALTIMORE -- Left-hander Scott Diamond made his final rehab start on Sunday with Class A Advanced Fort Myers, and is expected to rejoin the Twins' rotation on Friday against the Mets.

Diamond, who began the season on the 15-day disabled list after having a bone chip removed from his elbow in December, gave up four runs on six hits over five innings against Class A Bradenton. He threw 82 pitches, 54 for strikes.

Twins general manager Terry Ryan said Diamond didn't have any health issues in the start.

Diamond, 26, was Minnesota's best pitcher last year, as he posted a 3.54 ERA in a team-high 173 innings as a rookie.